constituent 1 of 2

constituent

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word constituent distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of constituent are component, element, and ingredient. While all these words mean "one of the parts of a compound or complex whole," constituent stresses its essential and formative character.

the constituents of a chemical compound

How are the words component and constituent related?

Both component and constituent may designate any of the substances (whether elements or compounds) or the qualities that enter into the makeup of a complex product; component stresses its separate entity or distinguishable character.

the components of a stereo system

When is it sensible to use element instead of constituent?

While the synonyms element and constituent are close in meaning, element applies to any such part and often connotes irreducible simplicity.

the basic elements of geometry

When is ingredient a more appropriate choice than constituent?

Although the words ingredient and constituent have much in common, ingredient applies to any of the substances which when combined form a particular mixture.

the ingredients of a cocktail

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of constituent
Noun
New group, new governor, new momentum What the marijuana lobbying effort has missed in Indiana, Swanson said, is a concerted campaign to organize at the constituent level: Making sure that lawmakers are getting emails from hundreds of people who actually live in their districts. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 This makes sense: There’s an alchemy to combining words and pictures, much like how a great song can blend lyrics and music into something better than its constituent parts. Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 27 June 2025
Adjective
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have been monitoring the numbers and fielding calls from constituents. Richard Fowler, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 The Israel-Hamas war loomed large at McGarvey’s town hall, with pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the high school’s entrance ahead of the event and many questions from constituents focused on the war and McGarvey’s positions. Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constituent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constituent
Noun
  • In addition to Chinese funding, some American environmental charities even enlist former members of the Chinese government in senior leadership positions.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Fans went wild when the original members of Van Halen walked the VMAs stage to present an award in 1996, appearing together for the first time in more than 11 years.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The layout by Oakland design studio Open Daily is clean; even more complicated recipes, like Henry Hsu’s multi-component cornerstone rice cakes, are easy to follow.
    Soleil Ho, SFChronicle.com, 9 Nov. 2020
  • By the '70s, motorists could buy component parts to convert older models into unique classics.
    Dalvin Brown, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2019
Noun
  • This extra-cautious outlook doesn’t surprise those familiar with the EU’s approach to ingredient regulation.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Each of Zen Donkey’s products are made from ingredients that are grown on Barker Sternberg’s farm in Lone Jack, Missouri.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Solid local population counts are hard to come by, especially for individual Burmese ethnic groups.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The Athletic revealed last Wednesday that Brazilian Luiz Fernando Iubel has joined Liverpool as the club’s new individual development lead coach.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The style is a favorite of the model-off-duty set, like Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid, and adds an element of ease to any outfit.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The accelerating global transition toward electrification—via EVs, grid-scale batteries and solar and wind power—currently requires high quantities of lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements.
    Sahit Muja, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Texas, capital murder comes into play when aggravating factors are present, such as the victim being under 15 years old.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Additional locations may experience flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, high winds, or other factors.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Constituent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constituent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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